Japan Reports

©Viva Technology 2025
Exhibitions & Events

[VivaTech 2026] Europe’s Largest Technology Festival Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary with an Expanded Vision

VivaTech, Europe’s largest startup and technology event, will return to Paris, France, from June 17 to 20, 2026, marking its milestone 10th edition. Organizers are expanding the event footprint this year and expect approximately 180,000 participants from around the world. From cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies to cleantech solutions aimed at addressing environmental challenges, VivaTech 2026...

Manufacturing & Mobility

Tokyo DisneySea 25th Anniversary “Magical Jubilee Shinkansen” to Begin Service on June 10, 2026 — Special Celebration-Themed Journeys Between Tokyo and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Tokyo DisneySea, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and Oriental Land Co., Ltd. have jointly planned a special train service, the “Magical Jubilee Shinkansen,” which will begin limited-time operations on June 10, 2026. Inspired by the anniversary event “Tokyo DisneySea 25th: Sparkling Jubilee,” the specially decorated Shinkansen will operate...

Hotels & Venues

OIMACHI TRACKS, a New Landmark Directly Connected to Oimachi Station, Opens on March 28 — Featuring Station Conference Oimachi Tracks for MICE Events

OIMACHI TRACKS, a large-scale mixed-use development directly connected to JR Oimachi Station, will open on March 28, 2026. Positioned as a core facility driving collaborative urban development within the greater Shinagawa area, the project brings together commercial facilities, a hotel, residences, and business functions within a single complex. This article introduces the overview of OIMACHI...

Games & Pop Culture

【Report】Board Game Business Expo Japan 2026 (BGBE): Western Japan’s Largest Board Game Festival — A Report on the Event That Doubled Attendance to 20,000

In recent years, board games have increasingly been used in business settings, including workshops and team-building programs. Alongside this trend, a growing number of events related to board games have emerged. Among them, Board Game Business Expo Japan 2026, commonly known as BGBE, stands out as a particularly noteworthy event. Now in its third edition,...

Hotels & Venues

Why Companies and Sports Teams Are Choosing Obihiro, Hokkaido for Corporate Retreats and Training Camps — Facilities, Local Support, and Regional Strengths Examined On Site

Vast open plains stretching toward the distant Hidaka Mountains. Hot air balloons floating in the sky, a rich culinary scene, and beautifully maintained gardens. These may be the images that come to mind when thinking of the Tokachi region in Hokkaido, a destination well known for tourism. However, when Obihiro—the central city of Tokachi—is viewed...

Japanese Pop Culture

MICE to Appear? Yokohama City Announces Collaboration with Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway — A Look at MICE Settings in Past Conan Films

The latest installment in the long-running franchise, Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway, is scheduled for nationwide release on April 10, 2026. The film has already attracted attention for its subtitle, read directly as “Daten-shi” (Fallen Angel). For professionals in the MICE sector, however, a different aspect may warrant closer examination: the possibility that...

aonia-utsunomiya
Hotels & Venues

Singapore and Tochigi Connected Through Sake: Exploring the Potential of MICE in Regional Revitalization Through a Trade Mission

History, culture, nature, and people. How are the elements that feel familiar to us perceived from overseas? In November 2025, the “Discover Tochigi” tour was held in Utsunomiya City. The program was structured as a trade mission visiting sake breweries across Tochigi Prefecture. Participants noted that behind the craftsmanship refined over multiple generations, they sensed...

Hotels & Venues

Redevelopment Project “KAMIHACHI X” Announced to Strengthen MICE and Accommodation Functions in Central Hiroshima — First “Andaz” by Hyatt in the Chugoku Region

The name of the high-rise tower and the hotel brand to be introduced on its upper floors have been announced for the Motomachi Aioi-dori District Type I Urban Redevelopment Project currently underway in central Hiroshima City. The high-rise tower will be named “KAMIHACHI X.” The hotel brand selected for the upper floors is Hyatt Hotels...

Games & Pop Culture

Tokyo Game Show 2026 Announced Celebrating 30th Anniversary with Record 5 Day Event

The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), in co-organization with Nikkei Business Publications and Sony Music Solutions, has officially announced the event outline for Tokyo Game Show 2026 (TGS2026). Celebrating its momentous 30th anniversary, the event will be held for a record-breaking five days. We provide the details on this world-class gaming festival, which will be...

Hotels & Venues

Hoshino Resorts’ Series of New Openings Toward 2026:Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings and New Travel Bases Rooted in Local Culture, with Potential for MICE Use

Hoshino Resorts is planning the phased opening of eight new properties nationwide by 2026. These developments include consecutive openings in the Yokohama area and Japan’s first luxury hotel created through the adaptive reuse of a former prison designated as an Important Cultural Property. Each facility reflects the unique history and culture of its location and...

Games & Pop Culture

Pokémon’s First Outdoor Theme Park, PokéPark KANTO, to Open in Spring 202626-Hectare Facility Planned Within Yomiuriland

The Pokémon Company has announced the opening of PokéPark KANTO, the first outdoor facility dedicated to Pokémon.The new park is scheduled to open in spring 2026 and will be developed on a site of approximately 2.6 hectares within Yomiuriland, an amusement park located in western Tokyo. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale starting in...

太平洋フェリー
Japanese Mobility

Onboard Report: Can a 2-Night, 3-Day Taiheiyo Ferry Journey from Nagoya to Tomakomai (Hokkaido) Work for Business Travel? A Workcation-Style Review from the Nagoya Terminal to Sapporo

What modes of transportation do you usually choose for long-distance business trips? High-speed rail, company cars, and air travel are likely the most common options. At the company behind MICE TIMES ONLINE, ferries are also frequently used—specifically long-distance ferry routes. In the past, we have shared onboard reports on Orange Ferry and PanStar Cruise Ferry....

Hotels & Venues

TOFROM YAESU Named as the District Designation for a National Strategic Zone Directly Connected to Tokyo Station — Completion Scheduled for 2026, with Theater and Conference Facilities Positioned as a New MICE Hub

A new urban landmark emerges in front of Tokyo Station, integrating facilities and programs designed to enhance well-being. The Tokyo Station Yaesu 1-chome East District Type 1 Urban Redevelopment Project, promoted by Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd., is a large-scale redevelopment initiative designated as a National Strategic Special Zone. The district name has been officially decided...

Hotels & Venues

[Report] The appeal of MICE in Mie Prefecture lies in “mobility, cuisine, and experiences” – Strengths of Mie MICE revealed through a trial tour organized to develop new model tours

In December, I joined a trial tour conducted as part of Mie Prefecture’s “Model Course Development Project for Corporate MI Programs.” Within the prefectural government, the International Tourism Promotion Division has staff dedicated to MICE and high value-added tourism, and the prefecture is making a concerted effort to attract MICE events. This article introduces the...

MICE TIMES ONLINE is a Kyoto-based web media platform dedicated to MICE, conventions, and events. We deliver news and insights from Japan and across Asia, with the concept of “Capturing the Now of MICE” — staying on top of the latest trends and developments in the industry. We welcome contributions of information as well as inquiries regarding potential business partnerships.

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